opinions on the 2004 CRF230F

[83MX80]

i sat on the 04 crf230f 4 stroke one day at a honda shop when visting my grandparents. and it fits me perfecto. and i was thinking either a 125cc 2 stroke or 200-230cc 4 stroke. i was figuring it out, if i get a job now, get paid $8.00 an hour, pay $100 bux a month for a payment in roughly 3 years i'd have it to paid for :aj: :) . so im just wondering what your opinions are on this bike are.

 

[biglou]

What type of riding are you going to do? You might grow out of the 230. It will be relatively heavy, not as track-friendly as the 125 mx'er, etc. A used 125 mx'er can be had very reasonably.

 

[83MX80]

i'll be doing some trails, hill climbing, jumping, woods, maybe some tight trails. not really into racing. its only 238 pounds. i'd perfer a 4 stroke over a 2 stroke just because of the low rpm's i'll be running at through the trails. will the 230 keep up to a 2004 yammy 660R Raptor and a KDX 200 2 stroke?

 

[83MX80]

i have been riding atv's/dirtbikes for 4 years. owned a dirtbike for a year and an atv for 3 years. the only racing i will be doing is racing my friends and my dad for some braggin rights. :) . ya i will add more later.

 

[SpectraSVT]

You will have to modify the 230 to keep up with your friends. There's a baffle on the airbox and silencer that can be taken out (free) for better throttle response. Also a new CDI to get rid of stock rev limiter ($55), frees up 2hp up top. A 428 chain conversion kit ($$$?) supposed to free up 3-5hp. there is also a power up jet kit ($35) that I heard about but I'm not sure where to get it. You may need new springs as the suspension is super soft stock. The bike is awesome in tight stuff. Doesn't feel 240lbs until you have to pick it up. If you got money, look into getting the BBR exhaust ($300?).

If you leave it stock the bike will be very easy to ride but also be very docile. When I ride it, I have throttle wide open to get it to go anywhere. I have only removed the baffles as it is my wifes bike and she is not very good yet.

 

[83MX80]

thanx. ya im gonna keep it stock for a while till i get used to it. then im gonna either straight pipe it or put a silencer on it. ya i hate baffles. they suck. they rob so much power.

 

[crfisnotgood]

the 230 wouldnt stand a chance against the kdx. It might get close to a raptor but the raptor would be faster. If you want to keep up with friends you should get a 250f mxer. If you are looking for a used one 01-03 then yeah get the yz250f. If you plan on getting new get any 250f that feels comfy. Well, that depends on your hight, weight, age (to see if you will be growing), and experience with dirtbikes.

The 250f is a four-stroke so it will have bottom end power for trails and you can go on "lugging" it. I recomend the YZ250F over the other ones because i believe it is the most powerful, reliable, and easiest to maintain.

Just my opinion.

 

[SpeedyManiac]

I really don't recommend trying to buy a brand new bike that you'd have to make payments on. The CRF230F will probably not last you 3 years. You WILL out grow the bike and be ready for something bigger/more powerful. I'd recommend you look for a used KDX200 or XR200R. The KDX would be better, but taller and a little tougher if you're just learning. The XR200R is a very reliable and easy to ride bike, and resale is very good.

 

[KDXman_88]

i'll be doing some trails, hill climbing, jumping, woods, maybe some tight trails. not really into racing. its only 238 pounds. i'd perfer a 4 stroke over a 2 stroke just because of the low rpm's i'll be running at through the trails. will the 230 keep up to a 2004 yammy 660R Raptor and a KDX 200 2 stroke?

That bike wouldnt keep up with those two in your wildest dreams. it is kind of a dog. i would say go for the 125, you will be much happier. and it weighs like 30lbs less than the 230.

 

[xsnrg]

83MX80, after riding a '72, you will appreciate just about anything afterwards...but I 2nd the motion that that you buy used. KDX220 or XR250 would be my two top picks for you.

 

[crfisnotgood]

Well, if you dont have much experience with a bike, you shouldnt get new. You should be able to get a used 250f for about $3000. If you practice on your dad XL175 and get the hang of bikes, you probably could ride a 250f with not much a problem. If you are doing trails and hill climbing....the 125 will definently not be a good choice. You should get a 250f that would be good with trails and hill climbing (well, at least better than the 125.) The 250f could also keep up with the kdx and raptor, you could probably be ahead of them. ;)

Also you said you would be jumping. The 230 woulnt be a good choice for doing that, while if you got the 250f it could easily because it is built for it....Just another reason Ii think you should get that bike.

 

[crfisnotgood]

and i was thinking either a 125cc 2 stroke or 200-230cc 4 stroke.

A 125cc 2 stroke will be the same size as a 250f would be...so if you could fit on that bike then you can fit on a 250f

 

[Nevada Sixx]

maybe you can find a good used 230f to see if you even like it, that way you wont get slaughtered on resell or can trade it in on a crf250x